Christmas Decorating Ideas

T'is the season!  And I couldn't be more excited! 

I decided to dedicate this week's blog post to beautiful and inspiring holiday decor photos.  I hope you get as inspired as I did and get some great ideas to incorporate into your own festive decorating at home.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Photos Credits: Design Cozy, Zimbo, Room Envy, Room Remix, Room Idea, HomeHues, Christmas Unique, At Home with Kim Vallée, Country Living, Art Studio Work, Curbly, Country Living, Elle Decor, HouseMagz, House to Home, Javier Marinus, Design Hole, My Home Ideas, Southern Living.

The timeless, chic & classic....tartan plaid

While I was working on a project at work the other day for Christmas 2011, the subject of tartan plaid came up and I've been thinking about it ever since.  The idea for this blog popped into my mind this morning as I was putting my dog Cali's plaid sweater on to go outside  (it's become super chilly out), then again when I crawled back into bed under my favorite orange plaid Ralph Lauren comforter that I purchased back in 1998.  I'm totally and completely in love with tartan plaid. 

I started thinking about all the beautiful patterns I've fallen in love with over the last few years and Sarah Jessica Parker's Alexander McQueen gown was definitely one that stuck out, so of course I had to include it on here.  There's just something so beautiful about this particular pattern on satin or taffeta that I find irresistible.  There was also a gorgeous satin clutch that j.crew had in there 2008 holiday collection...I would have included that as well but shockingly, seem to have tossed that catalog.  What was I thinking?

Tartan plaid is such a classic.  It's timeless, beautiful, nostalgic...and makes a wonderful statement in the home or in your wardrobe.  I especially love the tie in my collage, it's super sexy at Christmas time ;)  Think I've finally decided what my holiday decorating theme will be this year!  And I'm really excited to get started.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Price Savvy Decorating

I am always on the lookout for a great deal, especially when it comes to furnishing our house.  I think part of me really loves the thrill of the search.  And when I finally find a suitable item to replace a more expensive version that I've been coveting, well...let's just say it doesn't get much better than that for me :)

The last couple years I have really fallen in love with West Elm.  Their style is so elegant, yet simple, beautiful and fresh and I just want to buy everything in the catalog every time it comes in the mail.  The best part is the prices are SO reasonable.  However...if you're trying to spend even less, I'm here to tell you it's possible to find those super special items at a fraction of the cost.

These pillows are a favorite example of mine for price savvy decorating.

 

I fell in love with West Elm's pillows the second I saw them. The 16" square pillow is priced at $59 and the 24" square is $129.  Granted they are Mongolian lambskin with fur, and well worth the cost in my book.  However the pillows I found at Target were just as beautiful in my eyes.  Both 20" square at $12.99 a piece...I could not believe the deal I had found!  I came across them by chance at a Target store I don't normally visit in Nashua and scooped them right up.  The Bedford store didn't have them and they also did not appear on the web site.  A little frustrating, but proof that great finds are always out there.  You just need to keep your eyes peeled!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Open shelving systems

I'm one that likes things clean and simple.  I love the elements of texture and layering, conversation worthy vignettes and every element that adds coziness to a room.  But even utilizing all these practices things still need to feel clean and simple to me.

That's why I've always loved doors on my cabinets.  However...the past couple years I've been noticing more and more open shelving systems which I'm really falling in love with.  Especially in the kitchen.

This photo definitely satisfies my obsession for all things to be neat and orderly, but is such a beautiful and striking display of everyday things.  The look is light and airy, and clean and simple.  The use of texture with the clear glass and the wicker baskets is such a great combo.  And the stainless steel is such a wonderful match to everything white and keeps everything feeling very steamlined.   I love every element of this photo, right down to the ceiling fixture.  It's pure beauty and functionality at it's best!